<img src=" http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/breaking.gif " Border=0> 10:02 a.m. Kansas board picks Penn National for Cherokee County casino

August 22, 2008 11:05 am

— TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Penn National Gaming Inc. is awarded the contract to operate a state-owned casino in Cherokee County.
The Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board on Friday voted to award the 15-year contract to Penn, the only bidder for southeast Kansas. The Wyomissing, Pa.-based casino operator must pass a background check by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission before it can start.
The board also plans to decide who gets the operating contract for the Sumner County facility — Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., Marvel Gaming or Penn. Harrah’s proposal is for a Mulvane site, while Marvel’s and Penn’s would be near Wellington.